Gillibrand and Cuomo emerge as Democratic standard bearers

Despite a long list of Democratic woes, even here in New York state, it appears likely that the party will avoid primary battles for its two most crucial races: Kirsten Gillibrand’s Senate seat and the governor’s office.

Andrew Cuomo is the last man standing, following Governor David Paterson’s meltdown last week.

He’s putting off declaring as long as possible, but unless there are mastodon-sized skeletons stuffed in his closet, he’ll lead the Democratic ticket this fall.

Meanwhile, Harold Ford Jr. has opted out of the Senate primary, after an embarrassing couple of months of flirtation.

Frankly, the former Tennessee congressman’s dalliance in New York state has been a disaster.

There are plenty of second acts in American politics — ask Andrew Cuomo about that — but it will take a while to live down this episode.

Overall, this scenario bodes well for down-ticket Democrats, especially battleground congressman like the North Country’s Bill Owens, Mike Arcuri and Scott Murphy.

If Cuomo and Gillibrand build momentum, and money, going into November, it could be hard for Republicans to match statewide.

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